Groundwater Quiz

Test your knowledge and have some fun. The answers are at the bottom of the page.

1. Where does groundwater come from?
   1. Rainfall and snowmelt
   2. Underground rivers
2. Is groundwater water that has percolated into the ground and become trapped within pores, cracks, and fissures?
   1. False
   2. True
3. Approximately what percentage of people in Wisconsin use groundwater for their drinking water source?
   1. 50%
   2. 70%
4. How deep on average do you find groundwater in Wisconsin?
   1. 100 - 150 feet
   2. 0 - 50 feet
5. How fast does groundwater move?
   1. It flows like a river or stream.
   2. A few inches per year to feet per minute.
6. Which generally contains more dissolved minerals?
   1. Groundwater
   2. Surface water
7. Generally, how far away from a well does it’s source of groundwater originate?
   1. 5 to 10 miles
   2. A few miles or less
8. What can you do to help protect groundwater?
   1. Recycle used waste oil
   2. Don't over apply lawn chemicals
   3. Dispose of hazardous and household chemicals properly
   4. All of the above.
9. Does groundwater ever appear at the land surface?
   1. Yes, in springs and seeps.
   2. No, it always stays underground.
10. What surface features does groundwater discharge to?
    1. Lakes, rivers, and streams.
    2. Does not discharge to the surface.
11. When does groundwater contribute most to a river or streams water volume?
    1. Summer.
    2. Spring.
12. What percent of water volume in a stream can groundwater account for during the year?
    1. 70 - 80%
    2. 30 - 40%
    3. 50 - 60%
    4. All of the above
13. How often is it recommended that you sample the groundwater in your well?
    1. At least once a year.
    2. At least once every five years.
14. Where can groundwater contamination come from?
    1. Landfills
    2. Underground storage tanks
    3. Septic systems
    4. All of the above
15. When is National Groundwater Week?
    1. The first week in May
    2. The third week in October
16. Can you find groundwater anywhere by drilling a well?
    1. No, groundwater is isolated in specific areas or pockets.
    2. Yes, groundwater is everywhere under the land surface.
17. Is the groundwater/water table flat?
    1. Yes, it is always at a constant level below the surface and flat like a table.
    2. No, it roughly follows the contours of the land surface.
18. Can I drill a well anywhere and get good groundwater for drinking?
    1. Yes, the quality of groundwater is about the same everywhere.
    2. No, the quality can vary considerability from place to place.
19. Should I be concerned about groundwater protection issues?
    1. Yes, it may be your drinking water source and/or cost you money for cleanup.
    2. No, we have local public officials and state employees for that.
20. Where can you get more information about groundwater?
    1. Your local library
    2. The Department of Natural Resources
    3. The Internet
    4. All of the above

Answers

1. A
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. B
6. A
7. B
8. D
9. A
10. A
11. A
12. D
13. A
14. D
15. A
16. B
17. B
18. B
19. A
20. D